This is an excellent read-- part biographical, part primer on the nuts and bolts of the dirty and difficult business of boxing. The protagonist, Micky Ward, has led a charmed life of pitfalls, obstacles, mistakes, and redemption. This book is also very illustrative of the "sweet science" of boxing-- every bout a strategic war, every ring a battlefield.

The film "The Fighter" is based upon this book. It's an excellent movie, but this book delves into the finer details that were consolidated for dramatic purposes. Also, the tough life of a professional boxer is even more clearly defined within this book. Micky Ward was one of boxing's greats and certainly one of the most memorable to watch in terms of dramatic fights between the ropes. I highly recommend this book.